OK, So after researching everything written on the subject of small cameras, I finally decided to buy a NEX5. I wanted a 7D and all the L glass to go with it, but after lugging around a 1D Mk II for several years, my right arm and wrist had other ideas. The Panasonic DMC-GH2 was the first preference, but at the time I wanted to make a purchase, I could not get one as they were n/a, from anyone, B&H included.
There are some great reviewers out there, such as the almighty DP Review, etc. But, the most *real* reviewer that I found was Steven Huff (see: http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/). Cool, intelligent, hilariously funny with lots of great insights and a measured dose of pragmatism. He didn't entirely love the NEX, but was very clear about its strengths and weaknesses. He is a bone-fide Leica M9 guy, so it would be very hard to impress him with a $700.00 digi. However, it was ultimately the size and configurability which was the deal-maker for the 5. Being inconspicuous in Central America is an art form in and of itself. I'm not so worried about getting hit and run for my camera, it's just that an inconspicuous Gringo is more welcomed than a brash 1D-anything-swinging guy-with-camera. Think non-invasive, non-threatening or unobtrusive.
Yet, having been spoiled by my dear old 1D, I wanted something better than my old buddy, a magnesium-bodied Canon G10 (which I am keeping, btw). The G12, which I got to play with is indeed an awesome little piece, but the sensor size is so small. When you go to shoot @ telephoto, and the subject is far away, the IQ falls off sharply when zoomed in. Granted, with the Panasonic/Olympus line up, the lens choices get pretty juicy from the lofty makers like Leica, Voigtlander and even the OEM stuff is fairly pro-esque.
Sony went south with the 16mm f2.8 fixed (no image stabilization) and the 18-55mm f3.5. They're OK, but don't really show off the 5's goodies. I have one of Sony's 18-200mm f3.5 zooms, and this is where the NEX5 fun begins. Not too quick in the focusing dept., but hey, I'm in Costa Rica where everything is muy tranquilo (chill, in English). When they come up with a phat 50mm f1.whatever, I'm buying.
Meanwhile, you need TWO BATTERIES. Yup, she sucks 'em dry in no time. TWO... got it? Got Big Hands? Forget it. It takes time to get used to the button config and not accidentally initiate movie capture while trying to get that priceless shot. Many have whined about the menu system. I find that it works really quite well. But again, if you are bringing your old paradigm in with you when you play with this svelte and sexy shooter, you'll be disappointed and/or frustrated. If you expect greatness and don't cough up the spare change ($800.00 or so) for the 18-200, what you'll get are good shots, out of focus shots and everywhere in between with great file sizes. This camera is *different* than anything I've ever shot with, but that's precisely what makes the adventure so much fun. Sony didn't get to be Sony by doing things poorly, and they chose to do it different with the NEX5.
In the days ahead, I'll put up galleries of stuff I've been shooting. I would love to see other NEX3/5 owners join in the festivities as well! This could be a cult-camera... who knows.
With the advent of Sony's a-mount lens adapter, you can mount other Sony glass. At Steven Huff Photography, he's played with lots of other interesting lens setups, with equally interesting results!
Oh yes... Hat's off to David Holmes Photography for creating his Aperture to Pbase Uploader (see: http://www.davidholmesphoto.com/aperturetopbase) Oh, the joy of automation
Happy Monday-Happing Shooting!
Clint